Half the size? The previous model was tiny. If Apple want to build the controls into the earphones, and the Shuffle is about the same size as the earphones... then why not just build the Shuffle into the earphones?? A Shuffle that you can plug into your ear!

I would probably go right now and buy it but it doesn't have any built on buttons, which is a problem for me because I'm the kind who's prone to breaking earbuds by mistake, and and these earbuds have the controls on them...
You can still buy the previous generation shuffle at the online apple store for $49.

Half the size? The previous model was tiny. If Apple want to build the controls into the earphones, and the Shuffle is about the same size as the earphones... then why not just build the Shuffle into the earphones?? A Shuffle that you can plug into your ear!

They should also add shake to shuffle into the earphones. Oh, wait a second. That might not work out well for headbangers.

Actually, that should be in the Shuffle itself sans buttons. Have shake-to-shuffle or shake to go the next track. That actually would have been cool. Having everything in the cable is sort of odd.

I like it, but they need to have the controls with a separate plug on the end for the ear phones, or something. I wanna listen to it in my car! 4 gigs would be plenty, and the voice announcement is good, its just you have to set it to play and then unplug the earphones, and plug in the adapter to the car. Huge hassle! Plus, I don't think I can go around with "stock" earbuds anymore . Oh well, I'll probably order one and hope some 3rd party releases a good dongle for it. Pretty sure they will._________________Loaded White MacBook (just before aluminum revision)
iPad 2
iPhone 5s

In my opinion the 1st shuffle was the best design.
If Apple would have stuck with the USB stick type design and then later integrated a small LCD, I think that would be a real winner.

I really don't understand why Apple keeps head down the road of proprietary designs. Foolish I say.

Each of the previous two generations had design ideas that made sense. The first was so much smaller than the standard iPod and had that neat USB connector. The second was an MP3 player that clipped onto your clothes (which I still think was a great idea even though it lost the USB plug).

But the latest one? I don't know how many users have been complaining that the previous two Shuffles were too big and heavy, but the newest Shuffle is even smaller. It does make me wonder when Apple will decide that this exercise in size reduction has gone far enough.

Every now and again, Apple releases something that seems to be more of a proof-of-concept ("Hey, look what we can do!") than a viable product line.

I agree.

Along that note... I feel the same way about the Mac mini. Proof of concept. When it first came out it blew us all away. We were amazed. Apple engineers were incredible.

Now that the size of the mini has been established all revisions are developed around the 6.5"X6.5"X2" form factor. Apple engineers along with the marketing department sit there and scratch their heads thinking about what to cram into this little box. We the consumer are supposed to be delighted with their choices.

The new mini should be tagged as the BYODKM&A model (bring your own display keyboard mouse and ADAPTERS.

Sorry to sound negative. The mini is a great machine. It's just tough to get everything into such a small package. It's difficult to support legacy, current and future technologies.

Last edited by Bandit Bill on Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

I had the previous shuffle, I just hope the sound is improved on this one.
For me the shuffle has a particular use, exercise/walking/running only. It's close to perfect, I don't need video, readout etc. under a gig is fine. I really like the inline remote as I was looking to get the in-ear remote phones for my Touch.
I wouldn't want to use it as a full featured AV player, it's not. I've got the Touch for that, and the other iPods do that.
If it came with the in-ears I'd get it.